Run Selection Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to agricultural systems, and inparticular, to a run selection mechanism for an air seeder which allowsproduct to be introduced into a selected one of a plurality of pneumaticruns without disturbing the air flow/product flow already in theselected run.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern large acreage seeding implements pneumatically deliverparticulate materials, such as seed, fertilizer, and/or other product,to fields. By way of example, the seeding implement may take the form ofan air cart and an air drill combination which is pulled behind atractor to deliver the product(s). Different seeding styles can beimplemented by using different openers on the air drills. For example,knife, ribbon band, ribbon band sweep, double-shoot, and disk openersmay be used for different seeding styles in order to can opencorrespondingly different styles of furrows to receive the seed. The aircart includes one or more storage compartments that hold product(s),each of which has an associated metering box. Each metering box dividesthe products from the associated storage compartments into equalsections. The equal sections of products from selected storagecompartments are sequentially delivered to a run wherein the equallydivided products are entrained in an airflow established by a fan. Onceentrained in the run, the equal sections of products are directed fromthe air cart, through manifolds and distribution lines, to the airdrill, wherein the products are distributed.

In order to facilitate the delivery of the metered product to thedesired run, a collector assembly is often used. By way of example,Fuessel et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,599 discloses a collector assemblymounted below a product supply tank for receiving plural streams ofmaterials metered from the tank. Individual upright passages through thebody corresponding in number to the metered streams from the tankreceive the gravitating product streams and direct each stream intoeither or both of an upper loading zone and a lower loading zone in thepassage. A diverter valve associated with each upper loading zone can beset to close off the upper loading zone entirely while opening only thelower zone or closing off the lower loading zone while opening only theupper loading zone. Thus, air streams or runs passing transverselythrough the upper and lower loading zones respectively can be suppliedwith variable amounts of metered product, depending upon the position ofthe diverter valve within each passage. By providing multiple supplytanks and multiple collector assemblies, various product deliveryscenarios can be achieved including single shoot, double shoot andtriple shoot effects.

While functional for its intended purpose, the collector assemblydisclosed in the '599 patent has certain limitations. For example, thecalibration and cleanout of the collector assemblies can be bothdifficult and time consuming. More specifically, in order to effectuatesuch a cleanout, the floor of each collector assembly must be removed byunscrewing a plurality of wing nuts, thereby causing the floor of thecollector assembly to drop out. The diverter valves for the collectorassembly are then adjusted so as allow the contents of the overhead tankto drop straight through the collector assembly passing the upperloading zone. Similarly, calibration of the metering box is achieved ina manner similar to the cleanout operation. More specifically, the floorof a collector assembly is removed and replaced with a calibratingreceptacle. Product can be run through the metering mechanism of themetering box and discharged directly into the calibrating container formeasurement. Desired adjustments of the metering mechanism may then becarried out.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present inventionto provide a run selection mechanism for an air seeder which allowsproduct to be introduced into a selected one of a plurality of pneumaticruns without disturbing the air flow/product flow already therein.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide arun selection mechanism for an air seeder wherein the cleanout thereofis simpler and less time consuming than prior mechanisms.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a run selection mechanism for an air seeder which allows a userto simply and easily calibrate a metering box attached thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a run selection mechanism isprovided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material froman air cart. The mechanism includes a particulate meter for selectivelymetering the particulate material and a chute for receiving the meteredparticulate. The chute has an input and an output. A first primaryconduit has an input communicating with the chute and an outputcommunicating with a first pneumatic primary run. A second primaryconduit has an input communicating with the chute and an outputcommunicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector is movablebetween a calibration position, a first primary position and a secondprimary position. In the calibration position, the particulate materialflows from the particulate meter to the output of the chute. In thefirst primary position, the particulate material flows from theparticulate meter to the output of the first primary conduit. In thesecond primary position, the particulate material flows from theparticulate meter to the output of the second primary conduit.

A meter module is provided for housing the particulate meter. The metermodule including an input for receiving the particulate material fromthe air cart, a particulate output for directing particulate from theparticulate meter to the input of the chute, and a meter cleaningoutput. The selector may be further movable to cleanout position whereinthe meter cleaning output communicates with the chute. The metercleaning output is isolated from the chute with the selector in thecalibration position.

In a first embodiment, the selector includes first and second rotatablemembers. The first and second rotatable members include passagewaystherethrough which partially define the chute. Alternatively, theselector may include pivotable first and second gates. The first gateisolates the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gateisolating the second primary conduit from the chute with the selector inthe calibration position. The first gate isolates the output of thechute from the input of the chute with the selector in the first primaryposition. The first gate isolates the first primary conduit from thechute and the second gate isolates the output of the chute from theinput of the chute with the selector in the second primary position.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a runselection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow ofparticulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a metermodule having an input communicating with the particulate material inthe air cart and a particulate output. A meter disposed in the metermodule for selectively metering the particulate material to theparticulate output. A chute has an input communicating with the outputof the meter and an output. A first primary conduit has an inputcommunicatable with the chute and an output communicating with a firstpneumatic primary run. A second primary conduit has an inputcommunicatable with the chute and an output communicating with a secondpneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the flow of theparticulate material to one of output of the chute, the first pneumaticprimary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

The meter module includes a meter cleanout output and the selector ismovable to a cleanout position wherein the meter cleaning outputcommunicates with the chute. The meter cleaning output is isolated fromthe chute with the selector in a calibration position wherein the flowof the particulate material is directed to the output of the chute.

In a first embodiment, the selector includes first and second rotatablemembers. The first and second rotatable members includes passagewaystherethrough. The passageways partially define the chute. Alternatively,the selector includes pivotable first and second gates. The first gateisolates the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gateisolates the second primary conduit from the chute with the selector ina calibration position wherein the flow of the particulate material isdirected to the output of the chute. The first gate isolates the outputof the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in a firstprimary position wherein the flow of the particulate material isdirected to the first pneumatic primary run. The first gate isolates thefirst primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolates theoutput of the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in thesecond primary position wherein the flow of the particulate material isdirected to the second pneumatic primary run.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, arun selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flowof particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chutefor receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. Afirst primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumaticprimary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicatingwith a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs themetered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, thefirst pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

In a first embodiment, the selector includes first and second rotatablemembers. The first and second rotatable members include passagewaystherethrough. The passageways partially defining the chute.Alternatively, the selector includes pivotable first and second gates.The first gate isolates the first primary conduit from the chute and thesecond gate isolating the second primary conduit from the chute with theselector in a calibration position wherein the metered particulatematerial is directed to the output of the chute. The first gate isolatesthe first primary conduit from the output of the chute with the selectorin a first primary position wherein the metered particulate material isdirected to the first pneumatic primary run. The first gate isolates thefirst primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating theoutput of the chute from the second primary conduit with the selector ina second primary position wherein the flow of the particulate materialis directed to the second pneumatic primary run.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction ofthe present invention in which the above advantages and features areclearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understoodfrom the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an agricultural particulate materialdelivery system incorporating a run selection mechanism in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a run selection mechanism in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the run selection mechanism of thepresent invention with the selector in a calibration position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the run selection mechanism of thepresent invention with the selector in a first run position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the run selection mechanism of thepresent invention with the selector in a cleanout position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the run selection mechanism of thepresent invention with the selector in a second run position;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing multiple run selection mechanisms ofthe present invention connected serially;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing multiple run selection mechanisms ofthe present invention positioned adjacent each other;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of collectorassembly for the run selection mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the collector assembly of FIG. 9with the selector in a first run position;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the collector assembly of FIG. 9with the selector in a second run position; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the collector assembly of FIG. 9with the selector in a calibration/cleanout position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, an agricultural particulate material deliverysystem is generally designated by the reference numeral 5. System 5includes tractor 8, air cart 10, and a drill 12. Air cart 10 and drill12 are hitched to tractor 8 and/or each other in a conventional manner.A pneumatic distribution system 14 is arranged with respect to air cart10 and the drill 12 pneumatically delivering product 16 from air cart 10to drill 12 for pneumatic distribution of the product to an agriculturalfield. Product 16 is a particulate material that may take the form ofseed, such as small grains, and/or fertilizer, such as dry granularfertilizer. The pneumatic distribution system 14 includes a fan(s) (notshown) which may be a centrifugal fan, for generating an airflow(s) thatis directed through pneumatic distribution system 14 to entrain product16 for pneumatic delivery to an agricultural field.

As is conventional, air cart 10 includes frame 20 to which storagecompartments 22 and wheels 24 are mounted. Each storage compartment 22has an associated run selection mechanism 30 arranged at its lower endfor receiving product 16 from the storage compartment 22. As best seenin FIG. 2, each run selection mechanism 30 includes meter module 32having mounting plate 34 provided at the upper end thereof. Mountingplate 34 includes central opening 36 for allowing access to intake 38 ofmeter module 32 and a plurality of through holes 41 therein tofacilitate the mounting of run selection mechanism 30 to a correspondingstorage compartment 22

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, meter module 32 includes housing 39 defining achamber 40 for receiving metering roller 42 therein. Intake 38interconnects chamber 40 with the interior of a corresponding storagecompartment 22 for delivering product 16 to metering roller 42. Asdescribed, metering roller 42 of each run selection device 30 issupported on rotatable shaft 44 extending through housing 39 betweenintake 38 and metered product output 48. Metering roller 42 defines adrum-like shape and includes multiple compartments (not shown) arrangedat an outer circumferential surface thereof. The compartments are sizedto convey and control the volume and rate of product 16 transferredthrough meter module 32 for delivery out of metered product output 48.Housing 39 further includes cleanout output 50 provided at the lower endthereof. As hereinafter described, cleanout output 50 facilitates thecleaning out of undelivered product 16 retained in meter module 32 afteroperation thereof.

As best seen in FIG. 2, first end 52 of shaft 44 extends laterally fromhousing 39 and is operatively connected to a prime mover (not shown). Itcan be appreciated that the prime mover may be coupled to shaft 44 inany conventional manner such as by end-to-end axial coupling or throughone or more intermediate gears. Alternatively, shaft 44 may be replacedwith a motor shaft that extends inside the housing to direct drive themetering roller 42, without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention. It is intended for the prime mover to be operativelyconnected to a controller for the controlling the actuation thereof. Inresponse to actuation of the prime mover by the controller, shaft 44 andmetering roller 50 rotate in unison with each other, for reasonshereinafter described.

Run selection module 30 further includes a collector assembly, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 60. Collector assembly 60 includesmetered product input 62 in communication with metered product output 50of housing 39 of metered module 32 and cleanout input 64 incommunication with metered cleanout output 50 of housing 39 of metermodule 32. Metered product input 62 communicates with chute 66. Chute 66extends axially through collector assembly 60 and terminates at output68. Chute 66 is defined by inner surface 70 having first and secondaxially spaced stops 72 and 74, respectively, provided therein forreasons hereinafter described.

Cleanout input 64 of collector assembly 60 communicates with cleanoutpassage 76. Cleanout passage 76 extends through collector assembly 60and terminates at output 78, which in turn, communicates with chute 66at a location downstream of metered product input 62. Cleanout passage76 is defined by inner surface 80 having a recessed stop 82 formed at afirst side thereof at a location adjacent output 78, for reasonshereinafter described, and intersecting inner surface 70 of chute 66 atintersection 83.

Collector assembly 60 further includes first and second run loadconnectors 84 and 86, respectively. Referring back to FIG. 2, first runload connector 84 is generally tubular in shape and includes an upstreamend 88 receivable within an upstream portion of a first primary run anda downstream end 92 receivable within a downstream portion of the firstprimary run. The downstream portion of the first primary run isoperatively connected to corresponding drill 12 for pneumaticdistribution of the product to an agricultural field. Similarly, secondrun load connector 86 is generally tubular in shape and includes anupstream end 96 receivable within an upstream portion of a secondprimary run and a downstream end 100 receivable within a downstreamportion of the second primary run. The downstream portion of the secondprimary run is operatively connected to drill 12 for pneumaticdistribution of the product to an agricultural field.

First run conduit 104 extends through collector assembly 60 has an input105 communicating with cleanout passage 76 and an output 108communicating with interior 110 of first run load connector 84. Firstrun conduit 104 is defined by inner surface 112 intersecting innersurface 70 of chute 66 at intersection 114 and intersecting innersurface 80 of cleanout passage 76 at intersection 116. Similarly, secondrun conduit 106 extends through collector assembly 60, has an input 109communicating with chute 66 at a location downstream of output 78 ofcleanout passage 76, and an output 116 communicating with interior 118of second run load connector 86. Second run conduit 106 is defined byinner surface 120 intersecting inner surface 70 of chute 66 atintersections 122 and 123.

Collector assembly 60 further includes first and second selector gates124 and 126, respectively. First selector gate 124 is pivotablyconnected to intersection 114 and is movable between a cleanoutposition, FIG. 5, wherein edge 124 a of first selector gate 124 isseated in recessed stop 82 along inner surface 80 of cleanout passage 76so as to overlap input 105 of first run conduit 104 thereby isolatingfirst run conduit 104 from cleanout passage 76, and hence, from chute 66and metered product input 62; a second run/calibration position, FIGS. 3and 6, wherein edge 124 a of first selector gate 124 is seated atintersection 83 so as to overlap output 78 thereby isolating cleanoutpassage 76 and first run conduit 104 from chute 66 and metered productinput 62; and a first run position, FIG. 4, wherein edge 124 a of firstselector gate 124 is seated at stop 72 so as prevent the flow of product16 through chute 66 to output 68 thereby allowing communication betweenfirst run conduit 104 and metered product input 62. As best seen in FIG.8, linkage 128 may be operatively connected to first selector gate 124for allowing a user to pivot first selector gate 124 between positions.

Second selector gate 126 is pivotably connected to intersection 122 andis movable between a cleanout/calibration/first run position, FIGS. 3-5,wherein edge 126 a of second selector gate 126 is seated at intersection123 so as to overlap input 109 of second run conduit 106 and isolatesecond run conduit 106 from chute 66 and metered product input 62; and asecond run position, FIG. 6, wherein edge 126 a of second selector gate126 is seated at stop 74 so as prevent the flow of product 16 throughchute 66 to output 68 and allow communication between second run conduit106 and metered product input 62. Linkage 130 may be operativelyconnected to second selector gate 126 for allowing a user to pivotsecond selector gate 126 between positions.

In operation, in order to calibrate metering roller 42, first selectorgate 124 is pivoted to second run/calibration position and the secondselector gate 126 is pivoted to the cleanout/calibration/first runposition, FIG. 3. With first selector gate 124 in the secondrun/calibration position and the second selector gate 126 in thecleanout/calibration/first run position, the controller actuates theprime mover so as to rotate metering roller 42. Rotation of meteringroller 42 causes product 16 to be delivered from meter module 32,through chute 66 and out of output 68. Product 16 discharged from output68 of chute 66 may be received in a calibrating container formeasurement. Adjustments of the metering roller 42 can then be readilycarried out.

In order to cleanout product 16 from chamber 40 of housing 39, firstselector gate 124 is pivoted to the cleanout position and the secondselector gate 126 is pivoted to the cleanout/calibration/first runposition, FIG. 5. With first selector gate 124 in the cleanout positionand the second selector gate 126 in the cleanout/calibration/first runposition, metered cleanout output 50 of housing 39 is in communicationwith output 68 through cleanout passage 76 and chute 66. As a result,excess product 16 retained in chamber 40 of housing 39 may be dischargedfrom output 68 of chute 66. It can be appreciated that the cleanoutarrangement, heretofore described, allows for any excess product 16 tobe drained from storage compartment 22 without having to rotate meteringroller 42 (which would take a long time).

In order to introduce product 16 into air flowing through the firstprimary run, first selector gate 124 is pivoted to first run positionand the second selector gate 126 is pivoted to thecleanout/calibration/first run position, FIG. 4. With first selectorgate 124 in the first run position and the second selector gate 126 inthe cleanout/calibration/first run position, output 108 of first runconduit 104 is communication with metered product output 48 of housing39 through first run conduit 104 and chute 66. Fan of the pneumaticdistribution system 14 is actuated such that air flows sequentiallythrough upstream portion 90 of the first primary run, first run loadconnector 84 and downstream portion 94 of the first primary run.Thereafter, the controller actuates the prime mover so as to rotatemetering roller 42. Rotation of metering roller 42 causes product 16 tobe delivered from meter module 32, through chute 66 and first runconduit 104, out of output 108. Product 16 discharged from output 108 offirst run conduit 104 is received in the first run load connector 84 andintroduced into the air flowing therethrough. Product 16 is then carriedby the air flow downstream for the pneumatic distribution thereof to anagricultural field.

In order to introduce product 16 into air flowing through the secondprimary run, first selector gate 124 is pivoted to the secondrun/calibration position and the second selector gate 126 is pivoted tothe second run position, FIG. 6. With first selector gate 124 in thesecond run/calibration position and the second selector gate 126 in thesecond run position, output 116 of second run conduit 106 iscommunication with metered product output 48 of housing 39 throughsecond run conduit 106 and chute 66. The fan of the pneumaticdistribution system 14 is actuated such that air flows sequentiallythrough upstream portion 98 of the second primary run, second run loadconnector 86 and downstream portion 102 of the second primary run.Thereafter, the controller actuates the prime mover so as to rotatemetering roller 42. Rotation of metering roller 42 causes product 16 tobe delivered from meter module 32, through chute 66 and second runconduit 106, out of output 116. Product 16 discharged from output 116 ofsecond run conduit 106 is received in second run load connector 86 andintroduced into the air flowing therethrough. Product 16 is then carriedby the air flow downstream for the pneumatic distribution thereof to anagricultural field.

Referring to FIG. 7, it is contemplated to sequentially position aplurality of run selection modules along the first and second primaryruns to introduce multiple types of product into a single air stream forpneumatic delivery to an agricultural field. More specifically, it iscontemplated for air cart 10 to include first, second and third storagecompartments 22, 22 a and 22 b having associated run selectionmechanisms 30, 30 a and 30 b arranged at their lower ends for receivinga corresponding product 16, 16 a, and 16 b therein. First, second andthird storage compartments 22, 22 a and 22 b are identical in structure.As such, the prior description of storage compartment 22 is understoodto describe storage compartments 22 a and 22 b as if fully describedherein. In addition, it is noted that first, second and third runselection mechanisms 30, 30 a and 30 b are identical in structure. Assuch, the prior description of run selection mechanism 30 is understoodto describe run selection mechanisms 30 a and 30 b as if fully describedherein.

In order to interconnect run selection mechanisms 30 and 30 a,downstream ends 92 and 100 of first and second run load connectors 84and 86, respectively, are connected to upstream end 88 of first run loadconnector 84 of run selection mechanism 30 a and upstream end 96 ofsecond run load connector 86 of run selection mechanism 30 a,respectively. Similarly, in order to interconnect run selectionmechanisms 30 a and 30 b, downstream end 92 of the first run loadconnector 84 of run selection mechanism 30 a is operatively connected toupstream end 88 of first run load connector 84 of run selectionmechanism 30 b. In addition, downstream end 100 of second run loadconnector 86 of run selection mechanism 30 a is operatively connected toupstream end 96 of second run load connector 86 of run selectionmechanism 30 b. Downstream ends 92 and 100 of first and second run loadconnectors 84 and 86, respectively, of run selection mechanism 30 b areoperatively connected to drill 12 for pneumatic distribution of products16, 16 a and 16 b to an agricultural field.

By way of example, in operation, products 16, 16 a and 16 b are providedin corresponding first, second and third storage compartments 22, 22 aand 22 b, respectively. Referring to run selection mechanism 30, inorder to introduce product 16 into air flowing through the secondprimary run, first selector gate 124 is pivoted to the secondrun/calibration position and the second selector gate 126 is pivoted tothe second run position, FIG. 6. Referring to run selection mechanism 30a, in order to introduce product 16 a into air flowing through the firstprimary run, first selector gate 124 is pivoted to first run positionand the second selector gate 126 is pivoted to thecleanout/calibration/first run position, FIG. 4. Finally, referring torun selection mechanism 30 b, in order to introduce product 16 b intoair flowing through the first primary run, first selector gate 124 ispivoted to first run position and the second selector gate 126 ispivoted to the cleanout/calibration/first run position, FIG. 4.

Once first and second selector gates 124 and 126, respectively, of runselection mechanisms 30, 30 a and 30 b are positioned as desired, thefan of the pneumatic distribution system 14 is actuated such that airflows sequentially through the first and second primary runs and thecontroller(s) actuate the prime movers of run selection mechanisms 30,30 a and 30 b so as to rotate metering rollers 42. With first and secondselector gates 124 and 126, respectively, of run selection mechanisms30, 30 a and 30 b positioned as heretofore described, product 16 isdischarged into second run load connector 86 of run selection mechanism30 and introduced into the air flowing therethrough. Product 16 is thencarried downstream to second run load connector 86 of run selectionmechanism 30 a and the air flow in the first primary run flows throughfirst run load connector 84 of run selection mechanism 30 to first runload connector 84 of run selection mechanism 30 a. Similarly, product 16a is discharged into first run load connector 84 of run selectionmechanism 30 a and introduced into the air flowing therethrough. Product16 a is then carried downstream to first run load connector 84 of runselection mechanism 30 b and the air flow in the second primary runflows through second run load connector 86 of run selection mechanism 30a to second run load connector 86 of run selection mechanism 30 b.Finally, product 16 b is discharged into first run load connector 84 ofrun selection mechanism 30 b and introduced into the air entrained withproduct 16 a flowing therethrough. Products 16 a and 16 b are thencarried downstream through the first primary run to drill 12 forpneumatic distribution to an agricultural field. Air entrained withproduct 16 flows through second run load connector 86 of run selectionmechanism 30 b and the second primary run to drill 12 for pneumaticdistribution to an agricultural field.

It can appreciated that the noted description is merely exemplary andthat the number of run selection mechanisms and the products and/orcombination of products distributed may vary without deviating from thescope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is further contemplated to position of aplurality of run selection mechanisms 30 such that they are transverselyaligned with and adjacent each other. As such, metering rollers 42 ofthe plurality of run selection mechanisms may be transversely orientedin relation to the plurality of meter modules 32. Hence, single primemover may be used to rotate all of the metering rollers 42. By way ofexample, shafts 44 of the plurality of meter modules may beinterconnected by a chain drive or the like. Alternatively, the primemover may be operatively connected to a separate common shaft alignedtransverse to the axles of the metering rollers 42, wherein the commonshaft is coupled through coupling 90 degree gearboxes to the rolleraxles of each metering roller 42. Further, it is contemplated tointerconnect linkages 128 for first selector gates 124 of the pluralityof run selection mechanisms 30 such that first selector gates 124 of theplurality of run selection mechanisms 30 may be simultaneouslypositioned by use of a single handle. Likewise, it is contemplated tointerconnect linkages 130 for second selector gates 126 of the pluralityof run selection mechanisms 30 such that second selector gates 126 ofthe plurality of run selection mechanisms 30 may be simultaneouslypositioned by use of a single handle. Further, it can be appreciatedthat the opening and closing of cleanout outputs 50 provided at thelower ends of housings 39 of meter modules 32 may be controlled by asingle handle to the facilitate operation thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, an alternate embodiment of a collector assemblyfor use with run selection mechanism 30 of the present invention isgenerally designated by the reference numeral 150. Collector assembly150 includes metered product input 152 in communication with meteredproduct output 50 of housing 39 of metered module 32 and cleanout input154 in communication with metered cleanout output 50 of housing 39 ofmeter module 32. Collector assembly 150 further defines first and secondchambers 156 and 158, respectively, having generally circularcross-sections and adapted for receiving corresponding first and secondrotatable selectors 160 and 162, respectively, therein. First and secondselectors 160 and 162, respectively, include first and second inputs 164and 166, respectively, and outputs 168. Chute 165 communicates withmetered product input 152 and has an output 167 communicating with firstchamber 156. First and second chambers 156 and 158, respectively, areinterconnected by passageway 170 which is axially aligned with output167 of chute 165, for reasons hereinafter described. Second chamber 158further includes output 171 which is axially aligned with passageway170, for reasons hereinafter described.

Cleanout input 154 of collector assembly 150 communicates with cleanoutpassage 172. Cleanout passage 172 extends through collector assembly 150and terminates at output 174, which in turn, communicates with firstchamber 156. Collector assembly 150 further includes first and secondrun load connectors 184 and 186, respectively. First run load connector184 is generally tubular in shape and includes an upstream end 188receivable within an upstream portion of a first primary run and adownstream end 192 receivable within a downstream portion of the firstprimary run. The downstream portion of the first primary run may beoperatively connected to corresponding drill 12 for pneumaticdistribution of the product to an agricultural field. Similarly, secondrun load connector 186 is generally tubular in shape and includes anupstream end 196 receivable within an upstream portion of a secondprimary run and a downstream end 200 receivable within a downstreamportion of the second primary run. The downstream portion of the secondprimary run may operatively connected to drill 12 for pneumaticdistribution of the product to an agricultural field.

First run conduit 204 extends through collector assembly 150 and isdefined by inner surface 212. First run conduit 204 further includes aninput 205 communicating with first chamber 156 and an output 208communicating with interior 210 of first run load connector 184.Similarly, second run conduit 206 extends through collector assembly 150and is defined by inner surface 220. Second run conduit 206 includes aninput 207 communicating with second chamber 158 and an output 209communicating with interior 211 of second run load connector 186.

First selector 160 is rotatable between a first run position whereinfirst input 164 of first selector 160 is axially aligned with andcommunicates with output 167 of chute 165 and wherein output 168 offirst selector 160 is axially aligned with and communicates with input205 of first run conduit 204, FIG. 10; a second run position whereinfirst input 164 of first selector 160 is axially aligned with andcommunicates with output 174 of cleanout passage 172, second input 166of first selector 160 is axially aligned with and communicates withoutput 167 of chute 165, and output 168 of first selector 160 is axiallyaligned with and communicates with passageway 170, FIG. 11; andcalibration/cleanout position wherein first input 164 of first selector160 is axially aligned with and communicates with output 174 of cleanoutpassage 172, second input 166 of first selector 160 is axially alignedwith and communicates with output 167 of chute 165, and output 168 offirst selector 160 is axially aligned with and communicates withpassageway 170, FIG. 12.

Second selector 162 is rotatable between a first run position whereinsecond input 166 of second selector 162 is axially aligned with andcommunicates with passageway 170 and wherein output 168 of secondselector 162 is axially aligned with and communicates with output 171 ofsecond chamber 158, FIG. 10; a second run position wherein first input164 of second selector 162 is axially aligned with and communicates withpassageway 170 and wherein output 168 of second selector 160 is axiallyaligned with and communicates with input 207 of second run conduit 206,FIG. 11; and a calibration/cleanout position wherein first input 164 ofsecond selector 162 is axially aligned with and communicates withpassageway 170 and wherein output 168 of second selector 162 is axiallyaligned with and communicates with output 171 of second chamber 158,FIG. 12.

In operation, in order to calibrate metering roller 42, first and secondselectors 160 and 162, respectively, are rotated to theircalibration/cleanout positions in any conventional manner such as bymeans of handle or the like, FIG. 12. With first and second selectors160 and 162, respectively, in the calibration/cleanout positions, thecontroller actuates the prime mover so as to rotate metering roller 42.Rotation of metering roller 42 causes product 16 to be delivered frommeter module 32 through metered product output 48. Product 16sequentially flows through: first selector 160 from second input 166 tooutput 168 thereof; passageway 170; second selector 162 from secondinput 166 to output 168 thereof; and output 171 of second chamber 158.Product 16 discharged from output 171 of second chamber 158 may bereceived in a calibrating container for measurement. Adjustments of themetering roller 42 can then be readily carried out.

In order to cleanout product 16 from chamber 40 of housing 39, first andsecond selectors 160 and 162, respectively, are rotated to theircalibration/cleanout positions in any conventional manner such as bymeans of handle or the like, FIG. 12. With first and second selectors160 and 162, respectively, in the calibration/cleanout positions,metered cleanout output 50 of housing 39 is in communication with firstinput 164 of first selector 160 through cleanout passage 172. As aresult, excess product 16 retained in chamber 40 of housing 39 may bedischarged by sequentially flowing through: first selector 160 fromfirst input 164 to output 168 thereof; passageway 170; second selector162 from second input 166 to output 168 thereof; and output 171 ofsecond chamber 158.

In order to introduce product 16 into air flowing through the firstprimary run, first and second selectors 160 and 162, respectively, arerotated to their first run positions, in any conventional matter such asby a handle or the like, FIG. 10. With first and second selectors 160and 162, respectively, in their first run positions, output 208 of firstrun conduit 204 is communication with metered product output 48 ofhousing 39 through first run conduit 204, first selector 160, and chute165. The fan of the pneumatic distribution system 14 is actuated suchthat air flows sequentially through the upstream portion of the firstprimary run, first run load connector 184 and the downstream portion ofthe first primary run. Thereafter, the controller actuates the primemover so as to rotate metering roller 42. Rotation of metering roller 42causes product 16 to be delivered from meter module 32, through chute165, first selector 160 and firs run conduit 204, and out of output 208.Product 16 discharged from output 208 of first run conduit 204 isreceived in the first run load connector 184 and introduced into the airflowing therethrough. Product 16 is then carried by the air flowdownstream for the pneumatic distribution thereof to an agriculturalfield.

In order to introduce product 16 into air flowing through the secondprimary run, first and second selectors 160 and 162, respectively, arerotated to their second run positions, in any conventional matter suchas by a handle or the like, FIG. 11. With first and second selectors 160and 162, respectively, in their second run positions, output 209 ofsecond run conduit 206 is communication with metered product output 48of housing 39 through second run conduit 206, second selector 162,passageway 170, first selector 160 and chute 165. The fan of thepneumatic distribution system 14 is actuated such that air flowssequentially through the upstream portion of the second primary run,second run load connector 186 and the downstream portion of the secondprimary run. Thereafter, the controller actuates the prime mover so asto rotate metering roller 42. Rotation of metering roller 42 causesproduct 16 to be delivered from meter module 32, through chute 165,first selector 160, passageway 170, second selector 162 and second runconduit 206, and out of output 209. Product 16 discharged from output209 of second run conduit 206 is received in second run load connector186 and introduced into the air flowing therethrough. Product 16 is thencarried by the air flow downstream for the pneumatic distributionthereof to an agricultural field.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter, which is regarded as theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A run selection mechanism for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart, comprising: a particulate meter for selectively metering the particulate material; a chute for receiving the metered particulate, the chute having an input and an output; a first primary conduit having an input communicating with the chute and an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run; a second primary conduit having an input communicating with the chute and an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run; and a selector movable between: a calibration position wherein the particulate material flows from the particulate meter to the output of the chute; a first primary position wherein the particulate material flows from the particulate meter to the output of the first primary conduit; and a second primary position wherein the particulate material flows from the particulate meter to the output of the second primary conduit.
 2. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a meter module for housing the particulate meter, the meter module including an input for receiving the particulate material from the air cart, a particulate output for directing particulate from the particulate meter to the input of the chute, and a meter cleaning output.
 3. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 wherein the selector is further movable to cleanout position wherein the meter cleaning output communicates with the chute.
 4. The run selection mechanism of claim 3 wherein the meter cleaning output is isolated from the chute with the selector in the calibration position.
 5. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 wherein the selector includes first and second rotatable members, the first and second rotatable members including passageways therethrough, the passageways partially defining the chute.
 6. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the second primary conduit from the chute with the selector in the calibration position.
 7. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 wherein the selector includes a pivotable first gate, the first gate isolating the output of the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in the first primary position.
 8. The run selection mechanism of claim 1 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the output of the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in the second primary position.
 9. A run selection mechanism for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart, comprising: a meter module having an input communicating with the particulate material in the air cart and a particulate output; a meter disposed in the meter module for selectively metering the particulate material to the particulate output; a chute having an input communicating with the output of the meter and an output; a first primary conduit having an input communicatable with the chute and an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run; a second primary conduit having an input communicatable with the chute and an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run; and a selector for selectively directing the flow of the particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.
 10. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the meter module includes a meter cleanout output.
 11. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the selector is movable to cleanout position wherein the meter cleaning output communicates with the chute.
 12. The run selection mechanism of claim 11 wherein the meter cleaning output is isolated from the chute with the selector in a calibration position wherein the flow of the particulate material is directed to the output of the chute.
 13. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the selector includes first and second rotatable members, the first and second rotatable members including passageways therethrough, the passageways partially defining the chute.
 14. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the second primary conduit from the chute with the selector in a calibration position wherein the flow of the particulate material is directed to the output of the chute.
 15. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the selector includes a pivotable first gate, the first gate isolating the output of the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in a first primary position wherein the flow of the particulate material is directed to the first pneumatic primary run.
 16. The run selection mechanism of claim 9 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the output of the chute from the input of the chute with the selector in the second primary position wherein the flow of the particulate material is directed to the second pneumatic primary run.
 17. A run selection mechanism for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart, comprising: a chute for receiving metered particulate material, the chute having an output; a first primary conduit having an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run; a second primary conduit having an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run; and a selector for selectively directing the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.
 18. The run selection mechanism of claim 17 wherein the selector includes first and second rotatable members, the first and second rotatable members including passageways therethrough, the passageways partially defining the chute.
 19. The run selection mechanism of claim 17 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the second primary conduit from the chute with the selector in a calibration position wherein the metered particulate material is directed to the output of the chute.
 20. The run selection mechanism of claim 17 wherein the selector includes a pivotable first gate, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the output of the chute with the selector in a first primary position wherein the metered particulate material is directed to the first pneumatic primary run.
 21. The run selection mechanism of claim 17 wherein the selector includes pivotable first and second gates, the first gate isolating the first primary conduit from the chute and the second gate isolating the output of the chute from the second primary conduit with the selector in a second primary position wherein the flow of the particulate material is directed to the second pneumatic primary run. 